Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1530 automatic 1976 36 mm

The origins

It was in the early 1960s that Rolex decided to join forces with other Swiss watch manufacturers. Their objective was to produce the first Swiss-made quartz movement to counter the growing market share of Japanese watches. This consortium, called the Centre Électronique Horloger, was made up of some twenty companies, including Patek Philippe, Zenith and IWC. At the end of 1969, the Beta-21 calibre was born: a movement produced in 6,000 pieces, which was accurate to 5 seconds per month. Rolex recovered 1,000 Beta-21 movements, which were housed in the famous Texano reference 5100. However, this Beta-21 movement was an industrial flop. Designed in a hurry, bad strategic choices led to instability, fragility and too high energy consumption. This is why ROLEX decided to develop its own quartz calibre. A calibre worthy of the Manufacture, produced 100% in-house, which is today considered to be one of the finest quartz movements ever conceived.

Five years later, the Rolex 5035 and 5055 movements were released and a special case was designed to house them. This case was futuristic for its time with an angular design, in the spirit of the sport-chic steel watches with integrated bracelet initiated by the Royal Oak by Audemars Piguet.

In 1975 Rolex decided to associate this particular case with a mechanical movement, which will give life to a transitional watch: the Ref. 1530. A piece that will be produced for only 3 years, abandoned thereafter in favour of the Rolex Oyster Quartz. Only 1500 watches were produced in total, making this mythical reference extremely rare on the market.

What you need to know

We have a lot to say about this true collector's item. This Rolex Ref. 1530 is in what can only be described as exceptional condition. Recognizable by its unique design, the 36mm polished and brushed steel case has kept its sharp edges. It shows very few signs of wear.
The 1530 is one of the very first Rolex to benefit from a sapphire crystal, to replace the plexiglass used on the previous models. The one on our piece is free of scratches and has no imperfections. The unrestored dial of this Rolex Oyster is also in exceptional condition, its silver-coloured sunburst finish has remained as authentic as on the first day, with no deterioration or yellowing, which can be seen on some watches sold on the market. Another detail is that the case was designed to accommodate the future quartz calibre. This last one being higher and wider, Rolex decided to insert a dial of 34 mm of diameter, surrounded by a chapter ring, on which one finds the plot lights, which are all still present. The patina of the latter corresponds exactly to the one of the tritium present on the hands, a very light vanilla colour.
For sure, this piece has been protected from light and humidity!

This watch is equipped with an automatic calibre 1570, certified chronometer (COSC), which was introduced in 1965. Ahead of its time, it is technically very similar to the emblematic and famous Rolex calibre 3135 which will appear 20 years later. This calibre is particularly recognisable by the use of brightly coloured inverters on the automatic winding module.

Small anecdote: on all Rolex models, we can find the serial number as well as the model reference engraved on the outside of the case, between the lugs. However, here, with the integrated strap of this model, this information had to be moved on the back of the lugs.

A breathtaking bracelet
The fully brushed strap on this 1530 is original and in very good condition. Indeed, it is the first reference of Rolex integrated steel bracelet, the 96660, which makes it the most sought after bracelet by collectors. It still has its 13 "solid" links and is made of screws instead of the pins we usually see. The folding clasp fulfils its role perfectly and the stretch is not pronounced for a piece dating from the 70s.

the package

According to its serial number 41675XX, this Rolex Oyster Date would be from the beginning of 1976, making it one of the first produced. This very rare piece has been authenticated by our experts and revised by our Rolex approved watchmaker. As such, it benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1 year warranty. Moreover, you can benefit from a free engraving on the case back, or from an avivage on simple request. The watch is not full set but will be provided with its Rolex revision case.